We received an interesting opinion piece from a reader on the merits of the municipality of Almuñécar as a tourist destination.

If we take the recent Christmas festivities as a reference point, it is fair to say that something remarkable is happening in the municipality of Almuñécar.

Because how far can success go? Anyone who attended the Christmas lights switch-on on Friday, 5 December, at Plaza del Mercado could clearly see that Almuñécar has entered a new phase.

This is not only due to the imminent opening of the new municipal market, scheduled for the end of February, or the reopening of the aquarium. The stone sculptures of tropical fruits along the N-340, the renewal of the promenade paving, the Senda Litoral coastal path project, and the future construction of a five-star hotel in La Herradura all clearly indicate that there are sufficient resources to propel Almuñécar further onto the map as a modern, forward-looking city.

All of this is excellent news. The town and the wider region are seizing opportunities to strengthen their economy. This is a positive signal for residents, who benefit from new employment opportunities, and for entrepreneurs, who gain from a more diversified economy than in the past, when prosperity depended almost exclusively on agriculture and traditional tourism.

One of the key factors behind this success is communication. In this respect, the current mayor, Juan José Ruiz Joya, demonstrates notable skill. He is an approachable mayor, visible at public events, present in neighbourhoods, and clearly aware that drivers need parking in the town and that families are looking for affordable housing for their children.

As in the United States and much of Europe, Spain is a country marked by political polarisation. Political parties often clash like fighting cocks. This leads to striking situations: why not acknowledge good municipal management when things are working well, even if the town hall is governed by a different political party? Superficial criticism of Mayor “Juanjo” for his daily presence on Instagram or in local media lacks real substance.

The search for visibility is inherent in a system in which public officials are elected by citizens. That this can sometimes lead to excesses is evident from the many corruption scandals that have shaken Spanish politics. In my own country, the Netherlands, mayors are not elected but appointed, which in principle results in fewer conflicts and less polarisation.

As a relatively external observer, but one with a well-tuned antenna — and also as a resident — I admire the rapid development of Almuñécar and La Herradura.

That said, it is essential not to lose the human scale in favour of the greed of property developers and expensive consultants. And outstanding problems must also be addressed, such as the deteriorating Cármenes del Mar neighbourhood or the unfinished building — a true urban skeleton — alongside the N-340.

And, beautiful Almuñécar, do not let yourself be held back by negativity or by the narrow interests of certain political parties. The town is far too beautiful, and its people far too kind, for that.

Sjuul Paradijs

Sjuul Paradijs is a former Editor-in-Chief of De Telegraaf, the largest newspaper in the Netherlands. He owns a home in La Herradura, where he resides regularly during the winter months.

(Reader’s Letter: Almuñécar, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)

Keywords: Almuñécar, La Herradura, Tourism, Future, Negativity, Mayor Ruiz Joya

news, andalucia, granada, costa tropical, almunecar, herradura, almuñécar, la herradura, tourism, future, negativity, mayor ruiz joya

Reader’s comment: “Thank you Meneer Paradijs, for a positive opinion. I have not read much of the Gazette since arriving to Almuñécar.” – C. Schwartz

Reader’s comment: “We are regular visitors to Almunecar. We come from the west coast of Canada to escape the frigid cold (-23c today). We enjoy the friendly atmosphere of a relatively small city, the mild temperatures and enjoyable cuisine. It is a pleasure to visit, despite the long flights.” – M.Berry.

Reader’s comment: “Lots to be delighted with here in Almunecar, as you say. The council and Mayor have put ideas and work in, and more is to follow. Hoorah!

But they need to address some deeper issues: the number of closed up shops in the town centre, a proliferation of nail bars and barbers, a few ‘professional’ beggars always obvious just sitting on the streets, restaurants and hotels which are closed for half the year or more.

Visitors want to do, see, shop and eat in an attractive, orderly and vibrant town – and outside of the summer season, cannot always be on the beach or walking around. An adjustment to traditional seasons and timings may be necessary. – K Pemperton

Reader’s comment: “Ha ha. Well let me worship at the feet of the mayor and those responsible for a few minor issues in Almunecar. Especially when we dont actually live there.

That shell of a non-building was illegally built, breaking building regulations. It was too near the road and wanted to add another floor or two. Happened that the owner is part of the political elite. Ignored instruction to demolish.

The market: overspent, over ran on finishing and still not finished. On that note, did the underground car parking ever get sorted out. Not so nice with leaking water or sewage pipework.

The aquarium: Let’s hope it doesn’t leak again and in this day and age. Do we need captive fish and sharks. The sea should be their home, not a tank. Rather than lovely fruits at various points, maybe put that money into the Police Force, who claim they are understaffed. A far more worthy use of cash.” – PB Storey